The Welsh government has committed GBP 8 million (about EUR 9.4 million) to Marine Power Systems (MPS) to advance the commercialization of its floating offshore wind technology.
The funding is set to expedite the rollout of MPS’s PelaFlex platform, a floating wind solution tailored for deep-water sites unsuitable for fixed-bottom foundations.
Marine Power Systems stated that this investment will transition the technology from advanced development to commercial-scale deployment and manufacturing. The firm intends to enhance its industrial and assembly capabilities in the UK.
The PelaFlex platform is engineered to simplify fabrication, installation, and long-term operations, facilitating the placement of wind farms further offshore, where wind speeds are generally stronger and more stable.
“PelaFlex is specifically designed to access deep-water offshore wind, where most of the world’s wind resources are located,” stated Gareth Stockman, CEO of Marine Power Systems.
“This support accelerates commercialization, scales deployment, and positions the UK as a global center for deep-water wind innovation and manufacturing. It’s a crucial step towards making deep-water offshore wind a feasible industrial-scale reality.”
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, emphasized the funding’s role in establishing Wales as a leader in floating offshore wind, as part of the Offshore Wind Action Plan.
“Together with major projects like Awel y Môr and Erebus, aiding innovative companies like Marine Power Systems enables us to develop a high-value supply chain, create skilled jobs, and progress towards global and national net-zero objectives. We possess the talent, technology, and ambition—this funding transforms that ambition into reality,” noted Evans.
The Cabinet Secretary for Energy provided an update on March 12 regarding the Offshore Wind Action Plan’s implementation, noting progress since its publication last year. Recent achievements include UK Contracts for Difference (CfD) awarded to the 755 MW Awel y Môr fixed-bottom offshore wind farm and the 100 MW Erebus floating wind project in the Celtic Sea.
The statement detailed efforts to reinforce the offshore wind supply chain in Wales, including project developer engagement, port infrastructure support, skills development, and collaboration with UK entities like the Crown Estate and GB Energy to attract investments.
“The Crown Estate has formed a Celtic Sea Developers Forum, supported by Marine Energy Wales, encompassing test and demonstration projects in the Celtic Sea and successful Round 5 bidders. The Forum will initially focus on social value and environmental permitting,” said Rebecca Evans.
“Welsh Ministers and officials continue to actively engage with offshore wind project developers to better understand their challenges and encourage maximizing their investment value in Wales. This includes discussions with the JERA Nex bp joint venture regarding the next steps for their Mona 1.5 GW project off North Wales,” added Evans.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz